Snorkeling with Honu and Spouting Horn

Such a busy day! Starting out in Poipu doing the snorkel thing we saw an incredible number and variety of fish. It’s amazing to just hover over the masses of colorful fish, bathed in the warm Pacific, sun streaming through the translucent green blue waves.

Today the ocean was filled with Hawaii’s green sea turtles, Honu (pronounced hoe-new), named for the color of their body fat, which is green from the algae they eat. Primarily herbivorous, they feed on the rich algae beds along the rocks in the surf, making easy viewing for the snorkeler. If budget allows, I’d love to have an underwater camera. When travelling on a shoestring one must make sacrifices. For now I’ll have to be satisfied with memories of their magnificence.

After our adventure in Poipu, we headed west to the Spouting Horn. Here, the ocean waves crash onto a volcanic shelf and spouting occurs as water rushes into a lava tube and bursts through a small opening at the surface.

There’s such an abundance to do here on Kaua’i for free. No charge for parking, beaches, or day use at county and state parks. All you need do is show up to take advantage of the wonder that is Kaua’i.

canyon

Chris at sunset

$3 flowers from roadside honor market

crater remnants at Waimea Canyon

Kaua'i's south shore

nestled in the pines

Tags: Hawaii, Honu, Kaua'i, Poipu Park Beach, sea turtle, snorkeling, Spouting Horn, travelling on a shoestring, underwater camera, Waimea Canyon